282. Telegram From the Secretary of State to the Embassy in Bolivia1
179. … meeting scheduled COB Dec. 21 at which Lechin may attack Eder and program. If confirmed, Department suggests Ambassador urge Siles summon Lechin and top COB cohorts including Torres to reiterate to them that, according objective views of those interested in Bolivia in US, their country’s economic stability depends on effective implementation present program. We recognize some changes may be called for as program moves ahead but essence remains same. They should recognize that economic problems there so grave they can be solved only by drastic measures, and disciplined acceptance such measures must be their watchword. If they do not support program, can hardly expect workers do so. Lechin and COB had opportunity consider program before its announcement and they should cooperate in this first phase which naturally is most difficult because of shock of impact. Failure by them to cooperate can of course deal program severe if not mortal blow, but they should be under no illusion as to effect in US of their withdrawal of support.
Dept. hopeful concessions approved Dec. 19 message2 as in case bread subsidy will help improve climate. Dept. prepared consider recommendations of Embassy and Mission if any further steps might be taken now to rectify any obvious inequities which inadvertently have appeared in program. Recommend Ambassador make perfectly clear to Siles and Lechin that any open attack on program and/or Eder at meeting 21 Dec. would be wholly counterproductive. No economic program of proportion now required in Bolivia could be expected to produce desired results in five days. More time is required for natural adjustments to take place and for corrective measures as required to be applied.
Believe best tactic is to continue concentrate on main issues of continuation program and freedom of government from communism. Embassy’s continued emphasis on these prerequisites to continued US aid regardless of who President should be equally effective in keeping Siles in power as would making Presidency itself the issue. Therefore, especially important for Ambassador to ensure that Lechin and COB as well as Siles understand prerequisites continued US support.
[Page 587]Department planning take same line in discussion to be arranged with Chavez Fri morning in NY if he available.